Galleria Doria Pamphilj
"Zoom out. What’s this place all about?This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum. Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?The exceptional collection mainly features oil paintings and sculptures, but there are frescoes painted on the walls, as well. Most of the palace’s frescoes and furnishings date to the 17th century when the Pamphilj family was at its peak—Velázquez's portrait of Pope Innocent X, the Pamphilj family's most prestigious member, is a must-see. But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits?Special exhibitions are pretty rare but the collection paired with the regal setting is reason enough to visit the Galleria Doria Pamphilj. The museum's halls are absolutely packed with art, but that's what the family intended in the 17th century—the sheer volume of art was meant to overwhelm and disarm the visitor and leave her in awe of the family's wealth and cultural prestige. It still has that effect. What did you make of the crowd?The museum can be a bit crowded on Mondays when most museums in Rome are closed, but the place is rarely packed. The audio guide directs listeners to specific pieces, so you might notice clusters of people in one area. The crowd is a mix of people there to see the greatest hits and others lingering over every piece. The Galleria probably isn't ideal for small children, but teenagers can get their own audio guide and visit at their own pace. On the practical tip, how were facilities?There aren't many places to sit down. There's no elevator up to the gallery, which is on the second floor of the Palazzo. Any guided tours worth trying?The audio guide, which is included in the price of admission, is narrated by Prince Jonathan Doria-Pamphilj who shares personal memories, stories of his ancestors, and details about various works of art. It's amazing. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?The Caffè Doria is on the ground floor of the Palazzo (it's around the back on Via della Gatta 1). It's a nice place to stop for a quick shot of espresso and a pastry at the bar, or for a totally passable sandwich at one of the full-service tables. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?You could feasibly see most of the Gallery's masterpieces in 60 to 90 minutes. You'll definitely want to hit Caravaggio's Repentant Mary Magdalene and Rest on the Flight to Egypt, Velázquez's and Bernini's Portraits of Pope Innocent X, Guido Reni's Putti Fighting, and Raphael's Double Portrait." - Katie Parla
